Joan Milano

Joan was born on April 21, 1953 to Theresa (Siriani) and Mario Milano in Utica, NY. As a child, her family relocated to Beavercreek, OH, where Joan attended primary and secondary school. In 1970, Joan graduated from Archbishop Carroll High School, and later earned her cosmetology license.

In the 1970s, Joan was in charge of sales at PCA (Photo Corporation of America). As a salesperson for a mobile photography studio, Joan often traveled on weekly trips out of town. She had fantastic stories to tell when recalling these adventures, and she was fortunate to create lifelong friendships.

Beginning in 1979, Joan worked in advertising sales for Peter Li Education Group, a Catholic educational publishing company. She loved her job and treasured the close relationships she formed in her roughly 20 years with the company.

In the 1990s Joan also worked in advertising sales at WDJK (DJ-95), and was known to occasionally make an on-air appearance as the character “Josephine the Cleaning Lady.” She thrived in the playful, creative atmosphere of the radio station.

Joan was a loving mother and genuine friend to her daughter, and was the best Nonna in the world. Always the biggest supporter to the ones she cared about, she especially loved to watch her granddaughter’s volleyball games live online and cheer like a maniac, just like she had done for her daughter. When her own daughter was young, Joan had been an enthusiastic cheerleader, driving many miles and devoting many hours to be the best ever swimming, volleyball, and rowing mom. She poured all of her love into her family.

With a larger than life, fun-loving personality, Joan naturally drew people toward her. She was hilarious, kind, and generous. Who you know, what you have, or any other ways of passing judgement never mattered to Joan in the slightest, as she had a way of seeing through all that to the person. She was accepting and loved unconditionally, calling all different kinds of people friends and never wavering in her devotion to her family. Always making time to listen and often sending thoughtful reminders of her love, Joan was a loyal friend and close confidant to her family and friends.

A strong, fiercely smart, outspoken, and independent woman, Joan unapologetically did things her own way. Her quick, sharp mind was unrivaled in its creativity and wit, and she never failed to challenge and surprise. Many people fell victim to her outrageously good Scrabble skills.

In her later years she enjoyed simply spending time with her beloved cats, Maggie and Izzy, and befriending any hungry stray that came by. She stayed connected, cultivating relationships online through YouTube, Facebook, Words With Friends, and FaceTime, and she was known to post a picture or two or a thousand of her family.

Joan lived a full, vibrant life and she is missed dearly.

Joan is preceded in death by her mother Theresa (Siriani) Milano and her father Mario Milano. She is survived by her daughter Regina Milano Szewczyk, son-in-law Nicholas Szewczyk, granddaughter Zia Szewczyk, and many dear friends.

A celebration of life for Joan will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Tobias Funeral Home, 3970 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM. A burial will follow at the St. Kateri Preserve in Calvary Cemetery, 1625 Calvary Dr., Dayton, Ohio 45409.